Alexander Roux
I’ve been coming to El Diablo for about 13 years at this location. The food has always been excellent, portions always over generous, and the staff pleasant and efficient, but after my visit tonight, I had to write something. I came in on a Friday night, at 7:20, and there was no line, a rarity here. I walk up to the counter and got rushed through my order, despite no one being behind me. I understand when there’s 20 people in line, but I was the only person in line. I think the girl who helped me rushed me through making my bowl in under 30 seconds. Again, odd to be frustrated with speed, but it was more than that, she was half scoping every ingredient, rushing to the next thing, rushing me along the entire order. On top of trying to set a new speed record, I got the bottom scraps of each container. Typically when I order a burrito bowl here, I’ve got enough to eat half and take the other half home. Every portion was skimped on, in 13 years I’ve never seen so little go into a container. (Also, I usually dine in here, to enjoy it fresh, I was never asked, if I was eating in or taking the food to go, she went right for the to go container, which isn’t the end of the world, but, it’s just another small detail that I was to be rushed as quickly as possible so she could continue the other tasks she’s was doing and just be done with the customer in front of her.) I get to the counter, no have a good night, thanks, nothing, she just slaps it down and walks away. The cashier tells me my total before I can even ask to buy a drink with the bowl and was ready to bag it up when I said I was going to eat it here. Same thing, no one behind me still, but rushing me through the checkout as quickly as possible. I pay, go and grab my cup to get a drink, and the soda station / condiment and utensil area is a disgusting mess. Lids everywhere, trash overflowing out of the cans onto the counter, trash stacked up 2 containers high, soda spilled, a sticky, wet, trashy mess. I get my drink and head for a booth, there almost all empty, but all disgusting, trash littered all under the tables, table tops were disgusting, I wiped down my own table and seat to sit and eat my food. After I cleaned my seat, I look around the seating area, it’s just as bad as my booth, spills all over the floor, food on the tables, trash and food on the ground. You can tell no one has cleaned the dinning space in hours and there are two people behind the counter just hanging out, chatting away.
This place used to be clean, you’d see the staff making rounds to clear trash, wipe tables down, clear counters, etc. I was there for nearly 35 minutes. Not a single staff member left from behind the counter the entire time. I heard conversation about their plans for Saturday night, and other conversations that may not be customer facing appropriate, but whatever, I get it.
Overall, I’m just disappointed in the food, the customer service, the cleanliness, and the subpar standard food my visit. I think I’m going to wait some time before I come back and hopefully management or ownership has had an opportunity to close the gaps by then.
… moreAnne Phillips
I’m doing this review based on my husband’s experiences, because I personally don’t like this kind of food. Per my husband – this place is freaking amazing! If he could eat it every night he would. He typically would get the pork burrito which was gargantuan! He loves all the fixings and the pork is tender with great flavor. Currently he is on a diet, but still partakes, he just gets the pork bowl instead, which again, is freaking amazing. Beware for people in a hurry – the line can go out the door if you go there at peak meal times. They’re not just a fad either, they’ve been around for a good while now and it still gets crowded as ever, but the llne runs quite quickly, so keep that in mind if you do see the line out the door.
… moreThomas Dzielak
Great food. First time back since the pandemic. Friendly employees. Clean restaurant and clean bathrooms. Prices have gone up quite a bit since last visit but it’s still worth every penny.
… moreSunny Klair
Not sure what happened but there appears to be a complete revamp of the staff. The food is still great, but newer staff members look like they don’t want to be there. Needless to say, the “tip” option is now skipped when I pay for my food. Might as well go to Chipotle now since one of the only reasons I came here was because of the excellent service
… moreDavid Knight
8/24/24 – The establishment offers burrito bowls of exceptional quality and variety, contributing to their popularity. Notably, the northern Wilmington location provides the burrito bowls in actual bowls, enhancing value and enjoyment. The service across all locations is consistently outstanding, and the cleanliness of the premises is satisfactory. Furthermore, the restaurant’s ambiance contributes to a comfortable and conducive dining experience.
Fresh ingredients and pleasant staff. A wonderful combination. The selection of ingredients is also decent. From add-ons that include bacon and mushrooms to the guacamole and dressings, they provide a good selection.
… moreCK
We really like El diablo. We order take outs more often. Their service is really good and they are also generous with their quantities. Sometime it looks a peace of art work with all the different vegetables, colors and dressings!
Edit- 08/05/2022
Same taste even after 2 years, great service and generous portions!!
… moreDevarshi Patel
$17 for a steak bowl is crazy work compared to Chipotle’s $12 steak bowl (with no extras). Also, they charge extra for sour cream + two sauces on the side now. Diablo used to be the gold standard, now they’re more greedy than Chipotle.
Guess you either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain
– Harvey Dent
… moreBecky Phillips
I ordered take out at the marsh rd. location today on our long drive home, and my toddler became hungry, tired, and over it while we were in line. Staff and patrons were patient with us-sorry for the noise, we hid in the bathroom until our order was ready! I got him back in the car and realized I didn’t have my guacamole (if it wasn’t pricey I wouldn’t care at all), and staff was so nice and brought it out front so I didn’t have to drag my child back in. I realize we were high maintenance customers, and I can’t thank you enough for your outstanding service!!
… morePreet Erfan
The food is good and fresh! Pretty comparable to Chipotle. I took one star off because for the amount your paying they were very stingy with the portion sizes. I had to ask for extra rice because it barely filled the bowl.
… moreDeanna Sakeley
We ordered catering and it was absolutely delicious. Every single person at the party raved about the food. The amount of toppings we were given was beyond my expectations… Sauces, pico, hot and sweet peppers, pineapple habanero, lettuce, cilantro, sour cream. I couldn’t fit it all on my tacos! LOVED our taco bar! The amount for 15 people served 18 easily with leftovers. Great service too at the Marsh road location for pickup. Thank you!
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